Which Way, L.A.?
Cabbies v. Uber and the Shared Economy
Uber and other Internet companies use mobile phone apps to connect passengers with non-professional drivers. Cheaper than traditional taxis, is that unfair competition?
Hundreds of licensed cab drivers descended on LA City Hall last week to protest Uber and other Internet companies using mobile phone apps to connect passengers with part-time, non-professional drivers. They're cheaper than traditional taxis. Are they unfair competition, or are ridesharing, air bnb and other examples of the sharing economy using digital technology to create a "new normal" in the way business gets done? Also, the new state budget is generous to Governor Brown's bullet train, and Santa Barbara is drying up.
Photo courtesy of Uber